Playing at the airport/hotels etc...

Fins · #1 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 03:43 PM

Just curious what precautions people take with wireless & unsecured networks.

Should I be using some firewall software... not that I know what this really means

Thanks.

FWIW... I use a dell laptop

tomb1 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 03:55 PM

I've used LOTS of hotel and airport wireless connections. Some of them are secured but most are unsecured. I keep the standard Windows XP firewall turned on for that device, but don't take any other precautions.

I've never had a problem with banking, poker, email, etc., and don't plan to do anything different.

Besides, the poker sites I use all have encrypted data streams so I'm not worried about any kind of data interception.

hachkc · #3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 05:31 PM

I've played from several different hotels but I've never had a problem with anything. The Windows firewall is a good option to have on if you are unsure of the network you are on. Does anyone know if some online poker sites conflict with having a firewall on? Just curious.

I did have an issue with Neteller once when I tried to login to it from a hotel in NYC. Apparently the internet connection was routed and redirected and other technical stuff through somewhere in Canada. Somehow Neteller detected this traffic change and assumed it was some sort of fraudulent access to my account. They disabled online access to my account and I had to call them to reactivate it. It was annoying but nice to know they were looking out for my money.

Vitesse304 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 05:39 PM

I've never had any issues playing on unsecure wireless, but as with anything...take precautions.

At least use a firewall, and keep an eye on your accounts for any changes.

Fins · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 07:25 PM

Thanks everyone... looks like I have the firewall turned on. I've never done anything special when playing at hotels but I had a 3.5hrs stint at the airport today and was hesistant. Next time this time will go by much more quickly

.

scottwire · #6 (**permalink**) 02-23-2006, 07:56 PM

I would also install something like ZoneAlarm which actually notifies you when programs get run and you allow/deny them. It is free at download.com

w16227 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-24-2006, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hachkc

I've played from several different hotels but I've never had a problem with anything. The Windows firewall is a good option to have on if you are unsure of the network you are on. Does anyone know if some online poker sites conflict with having a firewall on? Just curious.

I did have an issue with Neteller once when I tried to login to it from a hotel in NYC. Apparently the internet connection was routed and redirected and other technical stuff through somewhere in Canada. Somehow Neteller detected this traffic change and assumed it was some sort of fraudulent access to my account. They disabled online access to my account and I had to call them to reactivate it. It was annoying but nice to know they were looking out for my money.

I have a hardware firewall for my wireless LAN. I also have McAfee and Norton software firewalls (depending upon the specific PC) running. No issues as long as you have the firewall set to allow the spcific client (partypoker or whatever) access to the internet.